Council approves rezoning at 5050 Hanfield Drive over neighborhood objections

The San Antonio council approved a zoning change for 5050 Hanfield Drive (item 9) on Oct. 1, 2026, moving the property from R‑5 to R‑3 despite neighborhood opposition and a staff recommendation to deny the request.

Don Ríos, identifying himself as president of Protection of Culebra Park, told the council the parcel was narrow, bordered by single‑family homes, and that “es irracional y irresponsable” to add higher‑density units that would “trastornar el carácter de la colonia.” Ríos said local opposition had been consistent since December 2025 and noted staff recommended denial. The clerk also recorded that three formal opposition letters and the neighborhood association were opposed.

Councilmember Alderete Gabito, recognized for the item, said the applicant had worked with neighbors and that the proposal “concuerda con la vivienda unifamiliar que ya existe.” She moved to approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded on the record and passed by voice vote. The council did not place the change on the consent agenda and handled the item individually.